Can I be fined for parking on the pavement?

Parking is becoming increasingly tricky across the UK, especially if you drive a van or large work vehicle. As such, it might be tempting to park on the pavement, even if it's only partially and only for a short time.

Sometimes this is done with good intentions, such as leaving space for other cars to pass safely on the road. Other times it might be done simply because there’s nowhere else to pull up and you risk it.

Whatever your reasons, are you breaking the law by doing so, and can you be fined for parking on the pavement?

We look at the scenarios. 

can i park on the pavement?

The Highway Code tells us that, with the exception of London, parking on the pavement is not breaking the law, but there are exceptions across the UK - more on that later.

The difference is in the wording: in London, you ‘must not park partially or wholly on the pavement’, and outside of London you ‘should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.’

So outside of the English capital you should try not to, but if you do you must do so in a way that doesn’t obstruct or seriously inconvenience ‘pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.’

You can probably check this by sight – have you left enough space for a pram or wheelchair to safely pass by unobstructed? If so, you should be OK, as long as you don’t break the next rule:

‘You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.’

This means that as well as checking it’s safe for pedestrians on one side, you also have to check it’s safe for vehicles on the other.

So if I follow the rules and there’s no signs permitting it, is it OK to park on the pavement? Not quite. As well as London, other parts of the UK have their own rules.

what are the different parking on pavement rules across the uk?

England

In England it is only London where it is banned outright, so check for signs first.

Northern Ireland

There are no special rules in Northern Ireland beyond those in the Highway Code, so follow the rules above, don't park dangerously or on yellow lines, and if there are no signs it should be OK.

Scotland

Scotland are in the process of implementing a banket ban just like in London, which is due to take effect this year (2023). Be sure to check the latest guidance.

Wales

In Wales, local councils are able to set their own rules, and there isn't a single set of rules for the entire country. As such, be sure to check beforehand.

so is there anywhere in london i can park on the pavement?

Yes. While it is banned there are exceptions, such as emergency situations and delivering goods.

Also, blue signs might indicate exceptions, or parking bays drawn which are clearly marked for parking.

anything else i should know?

As always, be sure to check the latest guidance before parking on any pavement as this guidance is likely to change as more places look to discourage parking on the pavement.